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Social Media in Health Education

Works Count: 34216

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Description

This cluster of papers explores the impact of social media on healthcare communication, including its uses for health promotion, behavior change, patient engagement, and online recruitment for research studies. It also delves into the ethical considerations and professionalism related to the use of social media in healthcare. The papers discuss the influence of social networking sites on health behavior change, the benefits and limitations of social media for health communication, and the integration of social media into medical education and public health promotion efforts.

Keywords

Social Media; Healthcare Communication; Online Recruitment; Medical Education; Patient Engagement; Public Health Promotion; Professionalism; Ethical Considerations; Behavior Change; Information Dissemination

E-learning for health professionals

2018-01-22

Alberto Vaona , Rita Banzi , Koren Hyogene Kwag +5 more

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Definition of Health 2.0 and Medicine 2.0: A Systematic Review

2010-06-11

Tom H van de Belt , Lucien JLPG Engelen , S.A.A. Berben +1 more

Background: During the last decade, the Internet has become increasingly popular and is now an important part of our daily life. When new “Web 2.0” technologies are used in health … Background: During the last decade, the Internet has become increasingly popular and is now an important part of our daily life. When new “Web 2.0” technologies are used in health care, the terms “Health 2.0" or "Medicine 2.0” may be used. Objective: The objective was to identify unique definitions of Health 2.0/Medicine 2.0 and recurrent topics within the definitions. Methods: A systematic literature review of electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL) and gray literature on the Internet using the search engines Google, Bing, and Yahoo was performed to find unique definitions of Health 2.0/Medicine 2.0. We assessed all literature, extracted unique definitions, and selected recurrent topics by using the constant comparison method. Results: We found a total of 1937 articles, 533 in scientific databases and 1404 in the gray literature. We selected 46 unique definitions for further analysis and identified 7 main topics. Conclusions: Health 2.0/Medicine 2.0 are still developing areas. Many articles concerning this subject were found, primarily on the Internet. However, there is still no general consensus regarding the definition of Health 2.0/Medicine 2.0. We hope that this study will contribute to building the concept of Health 2.0/Medicine 2.0 and facilitate discussion and further research.

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The Intersection of Online Social Networking with Medical Professionalism

2008-07-01

Lindsay A. Thompson , Kara Dawson , Richard E. Ferdig +4 more

AMEE Guide 32: e-Learning in medical education Part 1: Learning, teaching and assessment

2008-01-01

Rachel Ellaway , Ken Masters

In just a few years, e-learning has become part of the mainstream in medical education. While e-learning means many things to many people, at its heart it is concerned with … In just a few years, e-learning has become part of the mainstream in medical education. While e-learning means many things to many people, at its heart it is concerned with the educational uses of technology. For the purposes of this guide, we consider the many ways that the information revolution has affected and remediated the practice of healthcare teaching and learning. Deploying new technologies usually introduces tensions, and e-learning is no exception. Some wish to use it merely to perform pre-existing activities more efficiently or faster. Others pursue new ways of thinking and working that the use of such technology affords them. Simultaneously, while education, not technology, is the prime goal (and for healthcare, better patient outcomes), we are also aware that we cannot always predict outcomes. Sometimes, we have to take risks, and 'see what happens.' Serendipity often adds to the excitement of teaching. It certainly adds to the excitement of learning. The use of technology in support of education is not, therefore, a causal or engineered set of practices; rather, it requires creativity and adaptability in response to the specific and changing contexts in which it is used. Medical Education, as with most fields, is grappling with these tensions; the AMEE Guide to e-Learning in Medical Education hopes to help the reader, whether novice or expert, navigate them. This Guide is presented both as an introduction to the novice, and as a resource to more experienced practitioners. It covers a wide range of topics, some in broad outline, and others in more detail. Each section is concluded with a brief 'Take Home Message' which serves as a short summary of the section. The Guide is divided into two parts. The first part introduces the basic concepts of e-learning, e-teaching, and e-assessment, and then focuses on the day-to-day issues of e-learning, looking both at theoretical concepts and practical implementation issues. The second part examines technical, management, social, design and other broader issues in e-learning, and it ends with a review of emerging forms and directions in e-learning in medical education.

An Introduction to Social Media for Scientists

2013-04-23

Holly M. Bik , Miriam Goldstein

Online social media tools can be some of the most rewarding and informative resources for scientists-IF you know how to use them. Online social media tools can be some of the most rewarding and informative resources for scientists-IF you know how to use them.

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Adoption and use of social media among public health departments

2012-03-26

Rosemary Thackeray , Brad L. Neiger , Amanda Smith +1 more

Effective communication is a critical function within any public health system. Social media has enhanced communication between individuals and organizations and has the potential to augment public health communication. However, … Effective communication is a critical function within any public health system. Social media has enhanced communication between individuals and organizations and has the potential to augment public health communication. However, there is a lack of reported data on social media adoption within public health settings. The purposes of this study were to assess: 1) the extent to which state public health departments (SHDs) are using social media; 2) which social media applications are used most often; and 3) how often social media is used interactively to engage audiences. This was a non-experimental, cross sectional study of SHD social media sites. Screen capture software Snag-It® was used to obtain screenshots of SHD social media sites across five applications. These sites were coded for social media presence, interactivity, reach, and topic. Sixty percent of SHDs reported using at least one social media application. Of these, 86.7% had a Twitter account, 56% a Facebook account, and 43% a YouTube channel. There was a statistically significant difference between average population density and use of social media (p = .01). On average, SHDs made one post per day on social media sites, and this was primarily to distribute information; there was very little interaction with audiences. SHDs have few followers or friends on their social media sites. The most common topics for posts and tweets related to staying healthy and diseases and conditions. Limitations include the absence of a standard by which social media metrics measure presence, reach, or interactivity; SHDs were only included if they had an institutionally maintained account; and the study was cross sectional. Social media use by public health agencies is in the early adoption stage. However, the reach of social media is limited. SHDs are using social media as a channel to distribute information rather than capitalizing on the interactivity available to create conversations and engage with the audience. If public health agencies are to effectively use social media then they must develop a strategic communication plan that incorporates best practices for expanding reach and fostering interactivity and engagement.

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YouTube for Information on Rheumatoid Arthritis — A Wakeup Call?

2012-04-01

Abha G. Singh , Siddharth Singh , Preet Paul Singh

Objective. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common debilitating autoimmune disease, with unmet need for knowledge among patients and the general population. YouTube is a popular, consumer-generated, video-sharing website, which can … Objective. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common debilitating autoimmune disease, with unmet need for knowledge among patients and the general population. YouTube is a popular, consumer-generated, video-sharing website, which can be a source of information on RA. We investigated the quality of information on RA on YouTube and analyzed audience interaction. Methods. YouTube was searched using the term “Rheumatoid Arthritis,” for videos uploaded on RA. Two physicians independently classified videos as useful, misleading, or patient views, and rated them on a 5-point global quality scale (GQS; 1 = poor quality, 5 = excellent quality). Useful videos were rated for reliability and content, on a 5-point scale (higher scores represent more reliable and comprehensive videos). Source of videos was also noted. Audience interaction was assessed through video viewership. Results. A total of 102 relevant videos were identified; 54.9% were classified as useful (GQS 2.9 ± 1.0) and 30.4% deemed misleading (GQS 1.3 ± 1.6). Mean reliability and content score of useful videos was 3.2 (± 1.0) and 2.5 (± 1.2), respectively. All videos uploaded by university channels and professional organizations provided useful information but formed only 12.7% of total videos, whereas 73.9% of medical advertisements and videos by for-profit organizations were misleading. There was no difference in the viewership/day (10.0 vs 21.5; p = nonsignificant) of useful and misleading information. Conclusion. YouTube is a source of information on RA, of variable quality, with wide viewership and potential to influence patients’ knowledge and behavior. Physicians and professional organizations should be aware of and embrace this evolving technology to raise awareness about RA, and empower patients to discriminate useful from misleading information.

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Understanding the Factors That Influence the Adoption and Meaningful Use of Social Media by Physicians to Share Medical Information

2012-09-24

Brian McGowan , Molly Wasko , Bryan S. Vartabedian +3 more

Within the medical community there is persistent debate as to whether the information available through social media is trustworthy and valid, and whether physicians are ready to adopt these technologies … Within the medical community there is persistent debate as to whether the information available through social media is trustworthy and valid, and whether physicians are ready to adopt these technologies and ultimately embrace them as a format for professional development and lifelong learning.To identify how physicians are using social media to share and exchange medical information with other physicians, and to identify the factors that influence physicians' use of social media as a component of their lifelong learning and continuing professional development.We developed a survey instrument based on the Technology Acceptance Model, hypothesizing that technology usage is best predicted by a physician's attitudes toward the technology, perceptions about the technology's usefulness and ease of use, and individual factors such as personal innovativeness. The survey was distributed via email to a random sample of 1695 practicing oncologists and primary care physicians in the United States in March 2011. Responses from 485 physicians were analyzed (response rate 28.61%).Overall, 117 of 485 (24.1%) of respondents used social media daily or many times daily to scan or explore medical information, whereas 69 of 485 (14.2%) contributed new information via social media on a daily basis. On a weekly basis or more, 296 of 485 (61.0%) scanned and 223 of 485 (46.0%) contributed. In terms of attitudes toward the use of social media, 279 of 485 respondents (57.5%) perceived social media to be beneficial, engaging, and a good way to get current, high-quality information. In terms of usefulness, 281 of 485 (57.9%) of respondents stated that social media enabled them to care for patients more effectively, and 291 of 485 (60.0%) stated it improved the quality of patient care they delivered. The main factors influencing a physician's usage of social media to share medical knowledge with other physicians were perceived ease of use and usefulness. Respondents who had positive attitudes toward the use of social media were more likely to use social media and to share medical information with other physicians through social media. Neither age nor gender had a significant impact on adoption or usage of social media.Based on the results of this study, the use of social media applications may be seen as an efficient and effective method for physicians to keep up-to-date and to share newly acquired medical knowledge with other physicians within the medical community and to improve the quality of patient care. Future studies are needed to examine the impact of the meaningful use of social media on physicians' knowledge, attitudes, skills, and behaviors in practice.

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Social Internet Sites as a Source of Public Health Information

2009-03-01

Karl Vance , William A. Howe , Robert P. Dellavalle

Web-Based Recruiting for Health Research Using a Social Networking Site: An Exploratory Study

2012-02-01

Yeshe Fenner , Suzanne M. Garland , Elya E. Moore +5 more

Recruitment of young people for health research by traditional methods has become more expensive and challenging over recent decades. The Internet presents an opportunity for innovative recruitment modalities.To assess the … Recruitment of young people for health research by traditional methods has become more expensive and challenging over recent decades. The Internet presents an opportunity for innovative recruitment modalities.To assess the feasibility of recruiting young females using targeted advertising on the social networking site Facebook.We placed an advertisement on Facebook from May to September 2010, inviting 16- to 25-year-old females from Victoria, Australia, to participate in a health study. Those who clicked on the advertisement were redirected to the study website and were able to express interest by submitting their contact details online. They were contacted by a researcher who assessed eligibility and invited them to complete a health-related survey, which they could do confidentially and securely either at the study site or remotely online.A total of 551 females responded to the advertisement, of whom 426 agreed to participate, with 278 completing the survey (139 at the study site and 139 remotely). Respondents' age distribution was representative of the target population, while 18- to 25-year-olds were more likely to be enrolled in the study and complete the survey than 16- to 17-year-olds (prevalence ratio=1.37, 95% confidence interval 1.05-1.78, P=.02). The broad geographic distribution (major city, inner regional, and outer regional/remote) and socioeconomic profile of participants matched the target population. Predictors of participation were older age, higher education level, and higher body mass index. Average cost in advertising fees per compliant participant was US $20, making this highly cost effective.Results demonstrate the potential of using modern information and communication technologies to engage young women in health research and penetrate into nonurban communities. The success of this method has implications for future medical and population research in this and other demographics.

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Online Posting of Unprofessional Content by Medical Students

2009-09-22

Katherine C. Chretien

Web 2.0 applications, such as social networking sites, are creating new challenges for medical professionalism. The scope of this problem in undergraduate medical education is not well-defined.To assess the experience … Web 2.0 applications, such as social networking sites, are creating new challenges for medical professionalism. The scope of this problem in undergraduate medical education is not well-defined.To assess the experience of US medical schools with online posting of unprofessional content by students and existing medical school policies to address online posting.An anonymous electronic survey was sent to deans of student affairs, their representatives, or counterparts from each institution in the Association of American Medical Colleges. Data were collected in March and April 2009.Percentage of schools reporting incidents of students posting unprofessional content online, type of professionalism infraction, disciplinary actions taken, existence of institution policies, and plans for policy development.Sixty percent of US medical schools responded (78/130). Of these schools, 60% (47/78) reported incidents of students posting unprofessional online content. Violations of patient confidentiality were reported by 13% (6/46). Student use of profanity (52%; 22/42), frankly discriminatory language (48%; 19/40), depiction of intoxication (39%; 17/44), and sexually suggestive material (38%; 16/42) were commonly reported. Of 45 schools that reported an incident and responded to the question about disciplinary actions, 30 gave informal warning (67%) and 3 reported student dismissal (7%). Policies that cover student-posted online content were reported by 38% (28/73) of deans. Of schools without such policies, 11% (5/46) were actively developing new policies to cover online content. Deans reporting incidents were significantly more likely to report having such a policy (51% vs 18%; P = .006), believing these issues could be effectively addressed (91% vs 63%; P = .003), and having higher levels of concern (P = .02).Many responding schools had incidents of unprofessional student online postings, but they may not have adequate policy in place.

Social Media Use in the United States: Implications for Health Communication

2009-11-27

Wen‐Ying Sylvia Chou , Yvonne Hunt , Ellen Beckjord +2 more

Given the rapid changes in the communication landscape brought about by participative Internet use and social media, it is important to develop a better understanding of these technologies and their … Given the rapid changes in the communication landscape brought about by participative Internet use and social media, it is important to develop a better understanding of these technologies and their impact on health communication. The first step in this effort is to identify the characteristics of current social media users. Up-to-date reporting of current social media use will help monitor the growth of social media and inform health promotion/communication efforts aiming to effectively utilize social media.The purpose of the study is to identify the sociodemographic and health-related factors associated with current adult social media users in the United States.Data came from the 2007 iteration of the Health Information National Trends Study (HINTS, N = 7674). HINTS is a nationally representative cross-sectional survey on health-related communication trends and practices. Survey respondents who reported having accessed the Internet (N = 5078) were asked whether, over the past year, they had (1) participated in an online support group, (2) written in a blog, (3) visited a social networking site. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify predictors of each type of social media use.Approximately 69% of US adults reported having access to the Internet in 2007. Among Internet users, 5% participated in an online support group, 7% reported blogging, and 23% used a social networking site. Multivariate analysis found that younger age was the only significant predictor of blogging and social networking site participation; a statistically significant linear relationship was observed, with younger categories reporting more frequent use. Younger age, poorer subjective health, and a personal cancer experience predicted support group participation. In general, social media are penetrating the US population independent of education, race/ethnicity, or health care access.Recent growth of social media is not uniformly distributed across age groups; therefore, health communication programs utilizing social media must first consider the age of the targeted population to help ensure that messages reach the intended audience. While racial/ethnic and health status-related disparities exist in Internet access, among those with Internet access, these characteristics do not affect social media use. This finding suggests that the new technologies, represented by social media, may be changing the communication pattern throughout the United States.

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Dissemination of health information through social networks: Twitter and antibiotics

2010-03-28

Daniel Scanfeld , Vanessa Scanfeld , Elaine Larson

BackgroundThis study reviewed Twitter status updates mentioning "antibiotic(s)" to determine overarching categories and explore evidence of misunderstanding or misuse of antibiotics.MethodsOne thousand Twitter status updates mentioning antibiotic(s) were randomly selected … BackgroundThis study reviewed Twitter status updates mentioning "antibiotic(s)" to determine overarching categories and explore evidence of misunderstanding or misuse of antibiotics.MethodsOne thousand Twitter status updates mentioning antibiotic(s) were randomly selected for content analysis and categorization. To explore cases of potential misunderstanding or misuse, these status updates were mined for co-occurrence of the following terms: "cold + antibiotic(s)," "extra + antibiotic(s)," "flu + antibiotic(s)," "leftover + antibiotic(s)," and "share + antibiotic(s)" and reviewed to confirm evidence of misuse or misunderstanding.ResultsOf the 1000 status updates, 971 were categorized into 11 groups: general use (n = 289), advice/information (n = 157), side effects/negative reactions (n = 113), diagnosis (n = 102), resistance (n = 92), misunderstanding and/or misuse (n = 55), positive reactions (n = 48), animals (n = 46), other (n = 42), wanting/needing (n = 19), and cost (n = 8). Cases of misunderstanding or abuse were identified for the following combinations: "flu + antibiotic(s)" (n = 345), "cold + antibiotic(s)" (n = 302), "leftover + antibiotic(s)" (n = 23), "share + antibiotic(s)" (n = 10), and "extra + antibiotic(s)" (n = 7).ConclusionSocial media sites offer means of health information sharing. Further study is warranted to explore how such networks may provide a venue to identify misuse or misunderstanding of antibiotics, promote positive behavior change, disseminate valid information, and explore how such tools can be used to gather real-time health data. This study reviewed Twitter status updates mentioning "antibiotic(s)" to determine overarching categories and explore evidence of misunderstanding or misuse of antibiotics. One thousand Twitter status updates mentioning antibiotic(s) were randomly selected for content analysis and categorization. To explore cases of potential misunderstanding or misuse, these status updates were mined for co-occurrence of the following terms: "cold + antibiotic(s)," "extra + antibiotic(s)," "flu + antibiotic(s)," "leftover + antibiotic(s)," and "share + antibiotic(s)" and reviewed to confirm evidence of misuse or misunderstanding. Of the 1000 status updates, 971 were categorized into 11 groups: general use (n = 289), advice/information (n = 157), side effects/negative reactions (n = 113), diagnosis (n = 102), resistance (n = 92), misunderstanding and/or misuse (n = 55), positive reactions (n = 48), animals (n = 46), other (n = 42), wanting/needing (n = 19), and cost (n = 8). Cases of misunderstanding or abuse were identified for the following combinations: "flu + antibiotic(s)" (n = 345), "cold + antibiotic(s)" (n = 302), "leftover + antibiotic(s)" (n = 23), "share + antibiotic(s)" (n = 10), and "extra + antibiotic(s)" (n = 7). Social media sites offer means of health information sharing. Further study is warranted to explore how such networks may provide a venue to identify misuse or misunderstanding of antibiotics, promote positive behavior change, disseminate valid information, and explore how such tools can be used to gather real-time health data.

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Social Media Use in Medical Education

2013-04-25

Christine C. Cheston , Tabor Flickinger , Margaret S. Chisolm

The authors conducted a systematic review of the published literature on social media use in medical education to answer two questions: (1) How have interventions using social media tools affected … The authors conducted a systematic review of the published literature on social media use in medical education to answer two questions: (1) How have interventions using social media tools affected outcomes of satisfaction, knowledge, attitudes, and skills for physicians and physicians-in-training? and (2) What challenges and opportunities specific to social media have educators encountered in implementing these interventions?The authors searched the MEDLINE, CINAHL, ERIC, Embase, PsycINFO, ProQuest, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Scopus databases (from the start of each through September 12, 2011) using keywords related to social media and medical education. Two authors independently reviewed the search results to select peer-reviewed, English-language articles discussing social media use in educational interventions at any level of physician training. They assessed study quality using the Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument.Fourteen studies met inclusion criteria. Interventions using social media tools were associated with improved knowledge (e.g., exam scores), attitudes (e.g., empathy), and skills (e.g., reflective writing). The most commonly reported opportunities related to incorporating social media tools were promoting learner engagement (71% of studies), feedback (57%), and collaboration and professional development (both 36%). The most commonly cited challenges were technical issues (43%), variable learner participation (43%), and privacy/security concerns (29%). Studies were generally of low to moderate quality; there was only one randomized controlled trial.Social media use in medical education is an emerging field of scholarship that merits further investigation. Educators face challenges in adapting new technologies, but they also have opportunities for innovation.

The Ciba Collection of Medical Illustrations

1955-05-28

Frank H. Netter

Our website uses cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing to use our site, or clicking "Continue," you are agreeing to our Cookie Policy | Continue JAMA HomeNew OnlineCurrent IssueFor … Our website uses cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing to use our site, or clicking "Continue," you are agreeing to our Cookie Policy | Continue JAMA HomeNew OnlineCurrent IssueFor Authors Publications JAMA JAMA Network Open JAMA Cardiology JAMA Dermatology JAMA Health Forum JAMA Internal Medicine JAMA Neurology JAMA Oncology JAMA Ophthalmology JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery JAMA Pediatrics JAMA Psychiatry JAMA Surgery Archives of Neurology & Psychiatry (1919-1959) Podcasts Clinical Reviews Editors' Summary Medical News Author Interviews More JN Learning / CMESubscribeJobsInstitutions / LibrariansReprints & Permissions Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Accessibility Statement 2023 American Medical Association. All Rights Reserved Search All JAMA JAMA Network Open JAMA Cardiology JAMA Dermatology JAMA Forum Archive JAMA Health Forum JAMA Internal Medicine JAMA Neurology JAMA Oncology JAMA Ophthalmology JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery JAMA Pediatrics JAMA Psychiatry JAMA Surgery Archives of Neurology & Psychiatry Input Search Term Sign In Individual Sign In Sign inCreate an Account Access through your institution Sign In Purchase Options: Buy this article Rent this article Subscribe to the JAMA journal

Using Mechanical Turk to Study Clinical Populations

2013-01-31

Danielle N. Shapiro , Jesse Chandler , Pam Mueller

Although participants with psychiatric symptoms, specific risk factors, or rare demographic characteristics can be difficult to identify and recruit for participation in research, participants with these characteristics are crucial for … Although participants with psychiatric symptoms, specific risk factors, or rare demographic characteristics can be difficult to identify and recruit for participation in research, participants with these characteristics are crucial for research in the social, behavioral, and clinical sciences. Online research in general and crowdsourcing software in particular may offer a solution. However, no research to date has examined the utility of crowdsourcing software for conducting research on psychopathology. In the current study, we examined the prevalence of several psychiatric disorders and related problems, as well as the reliability and validity of participant reports on these domains, among users of Amazon’s Mechanical Turk. Findings suggest that crowdsourcing software offers several advantages for clinical research while providing insight into potential problems, such as misrepresentation, that researchers should address when collecting data online.

Patients’ and health professionals’ use of social media in health care: Motives, barriers and expectations

2013-07-27

Marjolijn L. Antheunis , Kiek Tates , Theodoor E. Nieboer

Guidelines for Medical and Health Information Sites on the Internet

2000-03-22

Margaret A. Winker , Annette Flanagin , Bonnie I. Chi-Lum +5 more

Access to medical information via the Internet has the potential to speed the transformation of the patient-physician relationship from that of physician authority ministering advice and treatment to that of … Access to medical information via the Internet has the potential to speed the transformation of the patient-physician relationship from that of physician authority ministering advice and treatment to that of shared decision making between patient and physician. However, barriers impeding this transformation include wide variations in quality of content on the Web, potential for commercial interests to influence online content, and uncertain preservation of personal privacy. To address these issues, the American Medical Association (AMA) has developed principles to guide development and posting of Web site content, govern acquisition and posting of online advertising and sponsorship, ensure site visitors' and patients' rights to privacy and confidentiality, and provide effective and secure means of e-commerce. While these guidelines were developed for the AMA Web sites and visitors to these sites, they also may be useful to other providers and users of medical information on the Web. These principles have been developed with the understanding that they will require frequent revision to keep pace with evolving technology and practices on the Internet. The AMA encourages review and feedback from readers, Web site visitors, policymakers, and all others interested in providing reliable quality information via the Web.

Seeking Support on Facebook: A Content Analysis of Breast Cancer Groups

2011-02-04

Jacqueline L. Bender , M. Carolina Jimenez , Alejandro R. Jadad

Social network sites have been growing in popularity across broad segments of Internet users, and are a convenient means to exchange information and support. Research on their use for health-related … Social network sites have been growing in popularity across broad segments of Internet users, and are a convenient means to exchange information and support. Research on their use for health-related purposes is limited.This study aimed to characterize the purpose, use, and creators of Facebook groups related to breast cancer.We searched Facebook (www.Facebook.com) using the term breast cancer. We restricted our analysis to groups that were related to breast cancer, operated in English, and were publicly available. Two of us independently extracted information on the administrator and purpose of the group, as well as the number of user-generated contributions. We developed a coding scheme to guide content analysis.We found 620 breast cancer groups on Facebook containing a total of 1,090,397 members. The groups were created for fundraising (277/620, 44.7%), awareness (236, 38.1%), product or service promotion related to fundraising or awareness (61, 9%), or patient/caregiver support (46, 7%). The awareness groups as a whole contained by far the most members (n = 957,289). The majority of groups (532, 85.8%) had 25 wall posts or fewer. The support oriented groups, 47% (27/57) of which were established by high school or college students, were associated with the greatest number of user-generated contributions.Facebook groups have become a popular tool for awareness-raising, fundraising, and support-seeking related to breast cancer attracting over one million users. Given their popularity and reach, further research is warranted to explore the implications of social network sites as a health resource across various health conditions, cultures, ages, and socioeconomic groups.

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The emerging Web 2.0 social software: an enabling suite of sociable technologies in health and health care education<sup>1</sup>

2007-02-28

Maged N. Kamel Boulos , Steve Wheeler

Abstract Web 2.0 sociable technologies and social software are presented as enablers in health and health care, for organizations, clinicians, patients and laypersons. They include social networking services, collaborative filtering, … Abstract Web 2.0 sociable technologies and social software are presented as enablers in health and health care, for organizations, clinicians, patients and laypersons. They include social networking services, collaborative filtering, social bookmarking, folksonomies, social search engines, file sharing and tagging, mashups, instant messaging, and online multi‐player games. The more popular Web 2.0 applications in education, namely wikis, blogs and podcasts, are but the tip of the social software iceberg. Web 2.0 technologies represent a quite revolutionary way of managing and repurposing/remixing online information and knowledge repositories, including clinical and research information, in comparison with the traditional Web 1.0 model. The paper also offers a glimpse of future software, touching on Web 3.0 (the Semantic Web) and how it could be combined with Web 2.0 to produce the ultimate architecture of participation. Although the tools presented in this review look very promising and potentially fit for purpose in many health care applications and scenarios, careful thinking, testing and evaluation research are still needed in order to establish ‘best practice models’ for leveraging these emerging technologies to boost our teaching and learning productivity, foster stronger ‘communities of practice’, and support continuing medical education/professional development (CME/CPD) and patient education.

E-health: transforming the physician/patient relationship

2001-04-01

Marion J. Ball , Jennifer Lillis

Medicine 2.0: Social Networking, Collaboration, Participation, Apomediation, and Openness

2008-08-25

Günther Eysenbach

In a very significant development for eHealth, broad adoption of Web 2.0 technologies and approaches coincides with the more recent emergence of Personal Health Application Platforms and Personally Controlled Health … In a very significant development for eHealth, broad adoption of Web 2.0 technologies and approaches coincides with the more recent emergence of Personal Health Application Platforms and Personally Controlled Health Records such as Google Health, Microsoft HealthVault, and Dossia. "Medicine 2.0" applications, services and tools are defined as Web-based services for health care consumers, caregivers, patients, health professionals, and biomedical researchers, that use Web 2.0 technologies and/or semantic web and virtual reality approaches to enable and facilitate specifically 1) social networking, 2) participation, 3) apomediation, 4) openness and 5) collaboration, within and between these user groups. The Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR) publishes a Medicine 2.0 theme issue and sponsors a conference on "How Social Networking and Web 2.0 changes Health, Health Care, Medicine and Biomedical Research", to stimulate and encourage research in these five areas.

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Broad Reach and Targeted Recruitment Using Facebook for an Online Survey of Young Adult Substance Use

2012-02-23

Danielle E. Ramo , Judith J. Prochaska

Background: Studies of tobacco use and other health behaviors have reported great challenges in recruiting young adults. Social media is widely used by young adults in the United States and … Background: Studies of tobacco use and other health behaviors have reported great challenges in recruiting young adults. Social media is widely used by young adults in the United States and represents a potentially fast, affordable method of recruiting study participants for survey research. Objective: The present study examined Facebook as a mechanism to reach and survey young adults about tobacco and other substance use. Methods: Participants were cigarette users, age 18-25 years old, living throughout the United States and recruited through Facebook to complete a survey about tobacco and other substance use. Paid advertising using Facebook's Ad program over 13 months from 2010 Feb 28 to 2011 Apr 4 targeted by age (18-25), location (United States or California), language (English), and tobacco- and/or marijuana-related keywords. Facebook approved all ads. Results: The campaign used 20 ads, which generated 28,683,151 impressions, yielding 14,808 clicks (0.7% of targeted Facebook members), at an overall cost of $6,628.24. The average cost per click on an ad was $0.45. The success of individual ads varied widely. There was a rise in both clicks and impressions as the campaign grew. However, the peak for clicks was 3 months before the peak for ad impressions. Of the 69,937,080 accounts for those age 18-25 in the United States, Facebook estimated that 2.8% (n = 1,980,240) were reached through tobacco and marijuana keywords. Our campaign yielded 5237 signed consents (35.4% of clicks), of which 3093 (59%) met criteria, and 1548 (50% of those who met criteria) completed the survey. The final cost per valid completed survey was $4.28. The majority of completed surveys came from whites (69%) and males (72%). The sample averaged 8.9 cigarettes per day (SD 7.5), 3.8 years of smoking (SD 2.9), with a median of 1 lifetime quit attempts; 48% did not intend to quit smoking in the next 6 months. Conclusions: Despite wide variety in the success of individual ads and potential concerns about sample representativeness, Facebook was a useful, cost-effective recruitment source for young-adult smokers to complete a survey about the use of tobacco and other substances. The current findings support Facebook as a viable recruitment option for assessment of health behavior in young adults.

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Take Two Aspirin And Tweet Me In The Morning: How Twitter, Facebook, And Other Social Media Are Reshaping Health Care

2009-03-01

Carleen Hawn

If you want a glimpse of what health care could look like a few years from now, consider “Hello Health,” the Brooklyn-based primary care practice that is fast becoming an … If you want a glimpse of what health care could look like a few years from now, consider “Hello Health,” the Brooklyn-based primary care practice that is fast becoming an emblem of modern medicine. A paperless, concierge practice that eschews the limitations of insurance-based medicine, Hello Health is popular and successful, largely because of the powerful and cost-effective communication tools it employs: Web-based social media. Indeed, across the health care industry, from large hospital networks to patient support groups, new media tools like weblogs, instant messaging platforms, video chat, and social networks are reengineering the way doctors and patients interact.

The influence of social networking sites on health behavior change: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2014-07-08

Liliana Laranjo , Amaël Arguel , Ana Luísa Neves +5 more

Abstract Objective Our aim was to evaluate the use and effectiveness of interventions using social networking sites (SNSs) to change health behaviors. Materials and methods Five databases were scanned using … Abstract Objective Our aim was to evaluate the use and effectiveness of interventions using social networking sites (SNSs) to change health behaviors. Materials and methods Five databases were scanned using a predefined search strategy. Studies were included if they focused on patients/consumers, involved an SNS intervention, had an outcome related to health behavior change, and were prospective. Studies were screened by independent investigators, and assessed using Cochrane's ‘risk of bias’ tool. Randomized controlled trials were pooled in a meta-analysis. Results The database search retrieved 4656 citations; 12 studies (7411 participants) met the inclusion criteria. Facebook was the most utilized SNS, followed by health-specific SNSs, and Twitter. Eight randomized controlled trials were combined in a meta-analysis. A positive effect of SNS interventions on health behavior outcomes was found (Hedges’ g 0.24; 95% CI 0.04 to 0.43). There was considerable heterogeneity (I2 = 84.0%; T2 = 0.058) and no evidence of publication bias. Discussion To the best of our knowledge, this is the first meta-analysis evaluating the effectiveness of SNS interventions in changing health-related behaviors. Most studies evaluated multi-component interventions, posing problems in isolating the specific effect of the SNS. Health behavior change theories were seldom mentioned in the included articles, but two particularly innovative studies used ‘network alteration’, showing a positive effect. Overall, SNS interventions appeared to be effective in promoting changes in health-related behaviors, and further research regarding the application of these promising tools is warranted. Conclusions Our study showed a positive effect of SNS interventions on health behavior-related outcomes, but there was considerable heterogeneity. Protocol registration The protocol for this systematic review is registered at http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO with the number CRD42013004140.

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Social media use among patients and caregivers: a scoping review

2013-01-01

Michele P Hamm , Annabritt Chisholm , Jocelyn Shulhan +4 more

To map the state of the existing literature evaluating the use of social media in patient and caregiver populations.Scoping review.Medline, CENTRAL, ERIC, PubMed, CINAHL Plus Full Text, Academic Search Complete, … To map the state of the existing literature evaluating the use of social media in patient and caregiver populations.Scoping review.Medline, CENTRAL, ERIC, PubMed, CINAHL Plus Full Text, Academic Search Complete, Alt Health Watch, Health Source, Communication and Mass Media Complete, Web of Knowledge and ProQuest (2000-2012).Studies reporting primary research on the use of social media (collaborative projects, blogs/microblogs, content communities, social networking sites, virtual worlds) by patients or caregivers.Two reviewers screened studies for eligibility; one reviewer extracted data from relevant studies and a second performed verification for accuracy and completeness on a 10% sample. Data were analysed to describe which social media tools are being used, by whom, for what purpose and how they are being evaluated.Two hundred eighty-four studies were included. Discussion forums were highly prevalent and constitute 66.6% of the sample. Social networking sites (14.8%) and blogs/microblogs (14.1%) were the next most commonly used tools. The intended purpose of the tool was to facilitate self-care in 77.1% of studies. While there were clusters of studies that focused on similar conditions (eg, lifestyle/weight loss (12.7%), cancer (11.3%)), there were no patterns in the objectives or tools used. A large proportion of the studies were descriptive (42.3%); however, there were also 48 (16.9%) randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Among the RCTs, 35.4% reported statistically significant results favouring the social media intervention being evaluated; however, 72.9% presented positive conclusions regarding the use of social media.There is an extensive body of literature examining the use of social media in patient and caregiver populations. Much of this work is descriptive; however, with such widespread use, evaluations of effectiveness are required. In studies that have examined effectiveness, positive conclusions are often reported, despite non-significant findings.

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Harnessing Social Media for Health Promotion and Behavior Change

2011-05-10

Holly Korda , Z Itani

Rapid and innovative advances in participative Internet communications, referred to as "social media," offer opportunities for modifying health behavior. Social media let users choose to be either anonymous or identified. … Rapid and innovative advances in participative Internet communications, referred to as "social media," offer opportunities for modifying health behavior. Social media let users choose to be either anonymous or identified. People of all demographics are adopting these technologies whether on their computers or through mobile devices, and they are increasingly using these social media for health-related issues. Although social media have considerable potential as tools for health promotion and education, these media, like traditional health promotion media, require careful application and may not always achieve their desired outcomes. This article summarizes current evidence and understanding of using social media for health promotion. More important, it discusses the need for evaluating the effectiveness of various forms of social media and incorporating outcomes research and theory in the design of health promotion programs for social media.

A New Dimension of Health Care: Systematic Review of the Uses, Benefits, and Limitations of Social Media for Health Communication

2013-04-23

S. Anne Moorhead , Diane Hazlett , Lawrence E. Harrison +3 more

There is currently a lack of information about the uses, benefits, and limitations of social media for health communication among the general public, patients, and health professionals from primary research.To … There is currently a lack of information about the uses, benefits, and limitations of social media for health communication among the general public, patients, and health professionals from primary research.To review the current published literature to identify the uses, benefits, and limitations of social media for health communication among the general public, patients, and health professionals, and identify current gaps in the literature to provide recommendations for future health communication research.This paper is a review using a systematic approach. A systematic search of the literature was conducted using nine electronic databases and manual searches to locate peer-reviewed studies published between January 2002 and February 2012.The search identified 98 original research studies that included the uses, benefits, and/or limitations of social media for health communication among the general public, patients, and health professionals. The methodological quality of the studies assessed using the Downs and Black instrument was low; this was mainly due to the fact that the vast majority of the studies in this review included limited methodologies and was mainly exploratory and descriptive in nature. Seven main uses of social media for health communication were identified, including focusing on increasing interactions with others, and facilitating, sharing, and obtaining health messages. The six key overarching benefits were identified as (1) increased interactions with others, (2) more available, shared, and tailored information, (3) increased accessibility and widening access to health information, (4) peer/social/emotional support, (5) public health surveillance, and (6) potential to influence health policy. Twelve limitations were identified, primarily consisting of quality concerns and lack of reliability, confidentiality, and privacy.Social media brings a new dimension to health care as it offers a medium to be used by the public, patients, and health professionals to communicate about health issues with the possibility of potentially improving health outcomes. Social media is a powerful tool, which offers collaboration between users and is a social interaction mechanism for a range of individuals. Although there are several benefits to the use of social media for health communication, the information exchanged needs to be monitored for quality and reliability, and the users' confidentiality and privacy need to be maintained. Eight gaps in the literature and key recommendations for future health communication research were provided. Examples of these recommendations include the need to determine the relative effectiveness of different types of social media for health communication using randomized control trials and to explore potential mechanisms for monitoring and enhancing the quality and reliability of health communication using social media. Further robust and comprehensive evaluation and review, using a range of methodologies, are required to establish whether social media improves health communication practice both in the short and long terms.

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Health and Illness in a Connected World: How Might Sharing Experiences on the Internet Affect People's Health?

2012-06-01

Sue Ziébland , Sally Wyke

Context: The use of the Internet for peer‐to‐peer connection has been one of its most dramatic and transformational features. Yet this is a new field with no agreement on a … Context: The use of the Internet for peer‐to‐peer connection has been one of its most dramatic and transformational features. Yet this is a new field with no agreement on a theoretical and methodological basis. The scientific base underpinning this activity needs strengthening, especially given the explosion of web resources that feature experiences posted by patients themselves. This review informs a National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) (UK) research program on the impact of online patients’ accounts of their experiences with health and health care, which includes the development and validation of a new e‐health impact questionnaire. Methods: We drew on realist review methods to conduct a conceptual review of literature in the social and health sciences. We developed a matrix to summarize the results, which we then distilled from a wide and diverse reading of the literature. We continued reading until we reached data saturation and then further refined the results after testing them with expert colleagues and a public user panel. Findings: We identified seven domains through which online patients’ experiences could affect health. Each has the potential for positive and negative impacts. Five of the identified domains (finding information, feeling supported, maintaining relationships with others, affecting behavior, and experiencing health services) are relatively well rehearsed, while two (learning to tell the story and visualizing disease) are less acknowledged but important features of online resources. Conclusions: The value of first‐person accounts, the appeal and memorability of stories, and the need to make contact with peers all strongly suggest that reading and hearing others’ accounts of their own experiences of health and illnesss will remain a key feature of e‐health. The act of participating in the creation of health information (e.g., through blogging and contributing to social networking on health topics) also influences patients’ experiences and has implications for our understanding of their role in their own health care management and information.

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Social Media: A Review and Tutorial of Applications in Medicine and Health Care

2014-02-11

Francisco J Grajales , Samuel Sheps , Kendall Ho +2 more

Background: Social media are dynamic and interactive computer-mediated communication tools that have high penetration rates in the general population in high-income and middle-income countries. However, in medicine and health care, … Background: Social media are dynamic and interactive computer-mediated communication tools that have high penetration rates in the general population in high-income and middle-income countries. However, in medicine and health care, a large number of stakeholders (eg, clinicians, administrators, professional colleges, academic institutions, ministries of health, among others) are unaware of social media’s relevance, potential applications in their day-to-day activities, as well as the inherent risks and how these may be attenuated and mitigated.

Twitter Social Media is an Effective Tool for Breast Cancer Patient Education and Support: Patient-Reported Outcomes by Survey

2015-07-30

Deanna J. Attai , Michael S. Cowher , Mohammed Al-Hamadani +3 more

Background: Despite reported benefits, many women do not attend breast cancer support groups. Abundant online resources for support exist, but information regarding the effectiveness of participation is lacking. We report … Background: Despite reported benefits, many women do not attend breast cancer support groups. Abundant online resources for support exist, but information regarding the effectiveness of participation is lacking. We report the results of a Twitter breast cancer support community participant survey.

Online Social Networking by Patients with Diabetes: A Qualitative Evaluation of Communication with Facebook

2010-10-13

Jeremy A. Greene , Niteesh K. Choudhry , Elaine Kilabuk +1 more

Online Medical Professionalism: Patient and Public Relationships: Policy Statement From the American College of Physicians and the Federation of State Medical Boards

2013-04-16

Jeanne M. Farnan

User-created content and communications on Web-based applications, such as networking sites, media sharing sites, or blog platforms, have dramatically increased in popularity over the past several years, but there has … User-created content and communications on Web-based applications, such as networking sites, media sharing sites, or blog platforms, have dramatically increased in popularity over the past several years, but there has been little policy or guidance on the best practices to inform standards for the professional conduct of physicians in the digital environment. Areas of specific concern include the use of such media for nonclinical purposes, implications for confidentiality, the use of social media in patient education, and how all of this affects the public's trust in physicians as patient–physician interactions extend into the digital environment. Opportunities afforded by online applications represent a new frontier in medicine as physicians and patients become more connected. This position paper from the American College of Physicians and the Federation of State Medical Boards examines and provides recommendations about the influence of social media on the patient–physician relationship, the role of these media in public perception of physician behaviors, and strategies for physician–physician communication that preserve confidentiality while best using these technologies.

Social media and health care professionals: benefits, risks, and best practices.

2014-07-01

C Lee Ventola

Health care professionals can use a variety of social media tools to improve or enhance networking, education, and other activities. However, these tools also present some potential risks, such as … Health care professionals can use a variety of social media tools to improve or enhance networking, education, and other activities. However, these tools also present some potential risks, such as unreliable information and violations of patients' privacy rights.

Scholarly use of social media and altmetrics: A review of the literature

2017-06-22

Cassidy R. Sugimoto , Sam Work , Vincent Larivière +1 more

Social media has become integrated into the fabric of the scholarly communication system in fundamental ways, principally through scholarly use of social media platforms and the promotion of new indicators … Social media has become integrated into the fabric of the scholarly communication system in fundamental ways, principally through scholarly use of social media platforms and the promotion of new indicators on the basis of interactions with these platforms. Research and scholarship in this area has accelerated since the coining and subsequent advocacy for altmetrics—that is, research indicators based on social media activity. This review provides an extensive account of the state‐of‐the art in both scholarly use of social media and altmetrics. The review consists of 2 main parts: the first examines the use of social media in academia, reviewing the various functions these platforms have in the scholarly communication process and the factors that affect this use. The second part reviews empirical studies of altmetrics, discussing the various interpretations of altmetrics, data collection and methodological limitations, and differences according to platform. The review ends with a critical discussion of the implications of this transformation in the scholarly communication system.

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Understanding factors affecting patient and public engagement and recruitment to digital health interventions: a systematic review of qualitative studies

2016-09-15

Siobhán O’Connor , Peter Hanlon , Catherine O’Donnell +3 more

Numerous types of digital health interventions (DHIs) are available to patients and the public but many factors affect their ability to engage and enrol in them. This systematic review aims … Numerous types of digital health interventions (DHIs) are available to patients and the public but many factors affect their ability to engage and enrol in them. This systematic review aims to identify and synthesise the qualitative literature on barriers and facilitators to engagement and recruitment to DHIs to inform future implementation efforts. PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus and the ACM Digital Library were searched for English language qualitative studies from 2000 – 2015 that discussed factors affecting engagement and enrolment in a range of DHIs (e.g. 'telemedicine', 'mobile applications', 'personal health record', 'social networking'). Text mining and additional search strategies were used to identify 1,448 records. Two reviewers independently carried out paper screening, quality assessment, data extraction and analysis. Data was analysed using framework synthesis, informed by Normalization Process Theory, and Burden of Treatment Theory helped conceptualise the interpretation of results. Nineteen publications were included in the review. Four overarching themes that affect patient and public engagement and enrolment in DHIs emerged; 1) personal agency and motivation; 2) personal life and values; 3) the engagement and recruitment approach; and 4) the quality of the DHI. The review also summarises engagement and recruitment strategies used. A preliminary DIgital Health EnGagement MOdel (DIEGO) was developed to highlight the key processes involved. Existing knowledge gaps are identified and a number of recommendations made for future research. Study limitations include English language publications and exclusion of grey literature. This review summarises and highlights the complexity of digital health engagement and recruitment processes and outlines issues that need to be addressed before patients and the public commit to digital health and it can be implemented effectively. More work is needed to create successful engagement strategies and better quality digital solutions that are personalised where possible and to gain clinical accreditation and endorsement when appropriate. More investment is also needed to improve computer literacy and ensure technologies are accessible and affordable for those who wish to sign up to them. International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews CRD42015029846

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Twitter as a Tool for Health Research: A Systematic Review

2016-11-17

Lauren Sinnenberg , Alison M. Buttenheim , Kevin Padrez +3 more

Researchers have used traditional databases to study public health for decades. Less is known about the use of social media data sources, such as Twitter, for this purpose.To systematically review … Researchers have used traditional databases to study public health for decades. Less is known about the use of social media data sources, such as Twitter, for this purpose.To systematically review the use of Twitter in health research, define a taxonomy to describe Twitter use, and characterize the current state of Twitter in health research.We performed a literature search in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and CINAHL through September 2015.We searched for peer-reviewed original research studies that primarily used Twitter for health research.Two authors independently screened studies and abstracted data related to the approach to analysis of Twitter data, methodology used to study Twitter, and current state of Twitter research by evaluating time of publication, research topic, discussion of ethical concerns, and study funding source.Of 1110 unique health-related articles mentioning Twitter, 137 met eligibility criteria. The primary approaches for using Twitter in health research that constitute a new taxonomy were content analysis (56%; n = 77), surveillance (26%; n = 36), engagement (14%; n = 19), recruitment (7%; n = 9), intervention (7%; n = 9), and network analysis (4%; n = 5). These studies collectively analyzed more than 5 billion tweets primarily by using the Twitter application program interface. Of 38 potential data features describing tweets and Twitter users, 23 were reported in fewer than 4% of the articles. The Twitter-based studies in this review focused on a small subset of data elements including content analysis, geotags, and language. Most studies were published recently (33% in 2015). Public health (23%; n = 31) and infectious disease (20%; n = 28) were the research fields most commonly represented in the included studies. Approximately one third of the studies mentioned ethical board approval in their articles. Primary funding sources included federal (63%), university (13%), and foundation (6%).We identified a new taxonomy to describe Twitter use in health research with 6 categories. Many data elements discernible from a user's Twitter profile, especially demographics, have been underreported in the literature and can provide new opportunities to characterize the users whose data are analyzed in these studies. Twitter-based health research is a growing field funded by a diversity of organizations. Public health implications. Future work should develop standardized reporting guidelines for health researchers who use Twitter and policies that address privacy and ethical concerns in social media research.

The Use of Social Media in Recruitment for Medical Research Studies: A Scoping Review

2016-11-07

Jane Topolovec‐Vranic , Karthik Natarajan

Background: Recruiting an adequate number of participants into medical research studies is challenging for many researchers. Over the past 10 years, the use of social media websites has increased in … Background: Recruiting an adequate number of participants into medical research studies is challenging for many researchers. Over the past 10 years, the use of social media websites has increased in the general population. Consequently, social media websites are a new, powerful method for recruiting participants into such studies. Objective: The objective was to answer the following questions: (1) Is the use of social media more effective at research participant recruitment than traditional methods? (2) Does social media recruit a sample of research participants comparable to that recruited via other methods? (3) Is social media more cost-effective at research participant recruitment than traditional methods? Methods: Using the MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and EMBASE databases, all medical research studies that used social media and at least one other method for recruitment were identified. These studies were then categorized as either interventional studies or observational studies. For each study, the effectiveness of recruitment, demographic characteristics of the participants, and cost-effectiveness of recruitment using social media were evaluated and compared with that of the other methods used. The social media sites used in recruitment were identified, and if a study stated that the target population was "difficult to reach" as identified by the authors of the study, this was noted. Results: Out of 30 studies, 12 found social media to be the most effective recruitment method, 15 did not, and 3 found social media to be equally effective as another recruitment method. Of the 12 studies that found social media to be the best recruitment method, 8 were observational studies while 4 were interventional studies. Of the 15 studies that did not find social media to be the best recruitment method, 7 were interventional studies while 8 were observational studies. In total, 8 studies stated that the target population was "hard-to-reach," and 6 of these studies found social media to be the most effective recruitment method. Out of 14 studies that reported demographic data for participants, 2 studies found that social media recruited a sample comparable to that recruited via traditional methods and 12 did not. Out of 13 studies that reported cost-effectiveness, 5 studies found social media to be the most cost-effective recruitment method, 7 did not, and 1 study found social media equally cost-effective as compared with other methods. Conclusions: Only 12 studies out of 30 found social media to be the most effective recruitment method. There is evidence that social media can be the best recruitment method for hard-to-reach populations and observational studies. With only 30 studies having compared recruitment through social media with other methods, more studies need to be done that report the effectiveness of recruitment for each strategy, demographics of participants recruited, and cost-effectiveness of each method.

Using Social Media as a Research Recruitment Tool: Ethical Issues and Recommendations

2017-02-16

Luke Gelinas , Robin Pierce , Sabune J. Winkler +3 more

The use of social media as a recruitment tool for research with humans is increasing, and likely to continue to grow. Despite this, to date there has been no specific … The use of social media as a recruitment tool for research with humans is increasing, and likely to continue to grow. Despite this, to date there has been no specific regulatory guidance and there has been little in the bioethics literature to guide investigators and institutional review boards (IRBs) faced with navigating the ethical issues such use raises. We begin to fill this gap by first defending a nonexceptionalist methodology for assessing social media recruitment; second, examining respect for privacy and investigator transparency as key norms governing social media recruitment; and, finally, analyzing three relatively novel aspects of social media recruitment: (i) the ethical significance of compliance with website "terms of use"; (ii) the ethics of recruiting from the online networks of research participants; and (iii) the ethical implications of online communication from and between participants. Two checklists aimed at guiding investigators and IRBs through the ethical issues are included as appendices.

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The Use of Social Media in Graduate Medical Education: A Systematic Review

2017-02-22

Madeline R. Sterling , Peggy B. Leung , Drew Wright +1 more

Despite the growing presence of social media in graduate medical education (GME), few studies have attempted to characterize their effect on residents and their training. The authors conducted a systematic … Despite the growing presence of social media in graduate medical education (GME), few studies have attempted to characterize their effect on residents and their training. The authors conducted a systematic review of the peer-reviewed literature to understand the effect of social media on resident (1) education, (2) recruitment, and (3) professionalism. The authors identified English-language peer-reviewed articles published through November 2015 using Medline, Embase, Cochrane, PubMed, Scopus, and ERIC. They extracted and synthesized data from articles that met inclusion criteria. They assessed study quality for quantitative and qualitative studies through, respectively, the Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument and the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Studies. Twenty-nine studies met inclusion criteria. Thirteen (44.8%) pertained to residency education. Twitter, podcasts, and blogs were frequently used to engage learners and enhance education. YouTube and wikis were more commonly used to teach technical skills and promote self-efficacy. Six studies (20.7%) pertained to the recruitment process; these suggest that GME programs are transitioning information to social media to attract applicants. Ten studies (34.5%) pertained to resident professionalism. Most were exploratory, highlighting patient and resident privacy, particularly with respect to Facebook. Four of these studies surveyed residents about their social network behavior with respect to their patients, while the rest explored how program directors use it to monitor residents' unprofessional online behavior. The effect of social media platforms on residency education, recruitment, and professionalism is mixed, and the quality of existing studies is modest at best.

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Social media use in the research workflow

2011-07-01

Ian Rowlands , David Nicholas , Bill Russell +2 more

ABSTRACT The paper reports on a major international survey, covering 2,000 researchers, which investigated the use of social media in the research workflow. The topic is the second to emerge … ABSTRACT The paper reports on a major international survey, covering 2,000 researchers, which investigated the use of social media in the research workflow. The topic is the second to emerge from the Charleston Observatory, the research adjunct of the popular annual Charleston Conference ( http://www.katina.info/conference/ ). The study shows that social media have found serious application at all points of the research lifecycle, from identifying research opportunities to disseminating findings at the end. The three most popular social media tools in a research setting were those for collaborative authoring, conferencing, and scheduling meetings. The most popular brands used tend to be mainstream anchor technologies or ‘household brands‘, such as Twitter. Age is a poor predictor of social media use in a research context, and humanities and social science scholars avail themselves most of social media. Journals, conference proceedings, and edited books remain the core traditional means of disseminating research, with institutional repositories highly valued as well, but social media have become important complementary channels for disseminating and discovering research.

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How the public uses social media wechat to obtain health information in china: a survey study

2017-07-01

Xingting Zhang , Dong Wen , Jun Liang +1 more

On average, 570 million users, 93% in China's first-tier cities, log on to WeChat every day. WeChat has become the most widely and frequently used social media in China, and … On average, 570 million users, 93% in China's first-tier cities, log on to WeChat every day. WeChat has become the most widely and frequently used social media in China, and has been profoundly integrated into the daily life of many Chinese people. A variety of health-related information may be found on WeChat. The objective of this study is to understand how the general public views the impact of the rapidly emerging social media on health information acquisition.A self-administered questionnaire was designed, distributed, collected, and analyzed utilizing the online survey tool Sojump. WeChat was adopted to randomly release the questionnaires using convenience sampling and collect the results after a certain amount of time.(1) A total of 1636 questionnaires (WeChat customers) were collected from 32 provinces. (2) The primary means by which respondents received health education was via the Internet (71.79%). Baidu and WeChat were the top 2 search tools utilized (90.71% and 28.30%, respectively). Only 12.41% of respondents were satisfied with their online health information search. (3) Almost all had seen (98.35%) or read (97.68%) health information; however, only 14.43% believed that WeChat health information could improve health. Nearly one-third frequently received and read health information through WeChat. WeChat was selected (63.26%) as the most expected means for obtaining health information. (4) The major concerns regarding health information through WeChat included the following: excessively homogeneous information, the lack of a guarantee of professionalism, and the presence of advertisements. (5) Finally, the general public was most interested in individualized and interactive health information by managing clinicians, they will highly benefit from using social media rather than Internet search tools.The current state of health acquisition proves worrisome. The public has a high chance to access health information via WeChat. The growing popularity of interactive social platforms (e.g. WeChat) presents a variety of challenges and opportunities with respect to public health acquisition.

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The Use of Facebook in Recruiting Participants for Health Research Purposes: A Systematic Review

2017-08-28

Christopher Whitaker , Sharon A. M. Stevelink , Nicola T. Fear

Social media is a popular online tool that allows users to communicate and exchange information. It allows digital content such as pictures, videos and websites to be shared, discussed, republished … Social media is a popular online tool that allows users to communicate and exchange information. It allows digital content such as pictures, videos and websites to be shared, discussed, republished and endorsed by its users, their friends and businesses. Adverts can be posted and promoted to specific target audiences by demographics such as region, age or gender. Recruiting for health research is complex with strict requirement criteria imposed on the participants. Traditional research recruitment relies on flyers, newspaper adverts, radio and television broadcasts, letters, emails, website listings, and word of mouth. These methods are potentially poor at recruiting hard to reach demographics, can be slow and expensive. Recruitment via social media, in particular Facebook, may be faster and cheaper.The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature regarding the current use and success of Facebook to recruit participants for health research purposes.A literature review was completed in March 2017 in the English language using MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, PubMed, PsycInfo, Google Scholar, and a hand search of article references. Papers from the past 12 years were included and number of participants, recruitment period, number of impressions, cost per click or participant, and conversion rate extracted.A total of 35 studies were identified from the United States (n=22), Australia (n=9), Canada (n=2), Japan (n=1), and Germany (n=1) and appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist. All focused on the feasibility of recruitment via Facebook, with some (n=10) also testing interventions, such as smoking cessation and depression reduction. Most recruited young age groups (16-24 years), with the remaining targeting specific demographics, for example, military veterans. Information from the 35 studies was analyzed with median values being 264 recruited participants, a 3-month recruitment period, 3.3 million impressions, cost per click of US $0.51, conversion rate of 4% (range 0.06-29.50), eligibility of 61% (range 17-100), and cost per participant of US $14.41. The studies showed success in penetrating hard to reach populations, finding the results representative of their control or comparison demographic, except for an over representation of young white women.There is growing evidence to suggest that Facebook is a useful recruitment tool and its use, therefore, should be considered when implementing future health research. When compared with traditional recruitment methods (print, radio, television, and email), benefits include reduced costs, shorter recruitment periods, better representation, and improved participant selection in young and hard to reach demographics. It however, remains limited by Internet access and the over representation of young white women. Future studies should recruit across all ages and explore recruitment via other forms of social media.

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Consumer health information seeking in social media: a literature review

2017-10-17

Yuehua Zhao , Jin Zhang

Abstract Objective The objective of this literature review was to summarise current research regarding how consumers seek health‐related information from social media. Primarily, we hope to reveal characteristics of existing … Abstract Objective The objective of this literature review was to summarise current research regarding how consumers seek health‐related information from social media. Primarily, we hope to reveal characteristics of existing studies investigating the health topics that consumers have discussed in social media, ascertaining the roles social media have played in consumers’ information‐seeking processes and discussing the potential benefits and concerns of accessing consumer health information in social media. Methods The Web of Science Core Collection database was searched for existing literature on consumer health information seeking in social media. The search returned 214 articles, of which 21 met the eligibility criteria following review of full‐text documents. Conclusion Between 2011 and 2016, twenty‐one studies published explored various topics related to consumer information seeking in social media. These ranged from online discussions on specific diseases (e.g. diabetes) to public health concerns (e.g. pesticide residues). Consumers’ information needs vary depending on the health issues of interest. Benefits of health seeking on social media, in addition to filling a need for health information, include the social and emotional support health consumers gain from peer‐to‐peer interactions. These benefits, however, are tempered by concerns of information quality and authority and lead to decreased consumer engagement.

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Online panels in social science research: Expanding sampling methods beyond Mechanical Turk

2019-09-11

Jesse Chandler , Cheskie Rosenzweig , Aaron J. Moss +2 more

Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) is widely used by behavioral scientists to recruit research participants. MTurk offers advantages over traditional student subject pools, but it also has important limitations. In particular, … Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) is widely used by behavioral scientists to recruit research participants. MTurk offers advantages over traditional student subject pools, but it also has important limitations. In particular, the MTurk population is small and potentially overused, and some groups of interest to behavioral scientists are underrepresented and difficult to recruit. Here we examined whether online research panels can avoid these limitations. Specifically, we compared sample composition, data quality (measured by effect sizes, internal reliability, and attention checks), and the non-naivete of participants recruited from MTurk and Prime Panels-an aggregate of online research panels. Prime Panels participants were more diverse in age, family composition, religiosity, education, and political attitudes. Prime Panels participants also reported less exposure to classic protocols and produced larger effect sizes, but only after screening out several participants who failed a screening task. We conclude that online research panels offer a unique opportunity for research, yet one with some important trade-offs.

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Social media for rapid knowledge dissemination: early experience from the<scp>COVID</scp>‐19 pandemic

2020-03-30

Albert Kam Ming Chan , Christopher P Nickson , Jenny W. Rudolph +2 more

The current COVID-19 pandemic is threatening global health. Rates of infection outside of China are rapidly increasing, with confirmed cases reported in over 160 countries as of 19 March 2020 … The current COVID-19 pandemic is threatening global health. Rates of infection outside of China are rapidly increasing, with confirmed cases reported in over 160 countries as of 19 March 2020 1. During the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) epidemic, 21% of the global cumulative case total were healthcare workers 2. However, a recent study from Wuhan, China reported that 1716 healthcare workers were infected with COVID-19, representing 3.8% of confirmed cases 3. During the SARS epidemic, it is likely that a lack of awareness and preparedness put healthcare workers at risk 4. Thus, delivering rapid, reliable information that addresses critical infection control issues is of key importance, and tracheal intubation is known to be associated with a high risk of transmission of viral infections to healthcare workers 5, 6. The challenge is how to transfer knowledge of current best practices to the people who need it most, at a pace equal to or better than the spreading epidemic. The paths for, and rate of dissemination of traditional scholarly publications 7, static websites and even email are known to be slow. During the SARS epidemic, worldwide internet access was well established, yet gaining access to potential medical users was largely reliant on email contact and personal communication 8. Well-designed free open access educational material should distil key information in a clear, actionable format, while paired with social media–powered dissemination using social networks, in addition to traditional communication methods. Utilising social media in this way has shown promise as a speedier alternative 9. The use of the principles of the Free Open Access Medical education (FOAM) networks further provide good examples of the effectiveness of making information freely available. We describe an example of an efficient and rapidly disseminated infographic describing a practical intubation guideline for use in operating theatres and other critical care areas during a pandemic. Preventing infection and promoting psychological well-being to front-line healthcare workers during an epidemic is essential and the negative psychological impact of SARS on healthcare workers was exacerbated by uncertainty and unfamiliarity with infection control measures 4. Infection of healthcare workers disproportionately increases work-load and reduces the capacity of staff and hospitals to continue to provide patient care 10. Well-designed infographics have the potential to provide concise and practical information to institutions and healthcare workers and are associated with higher reader preference and lower cognitive load 11, 12. They aid knowledge translation by increasing information retention according to the cognitive load theory and dual coding theory 11. Moreover, making infographics easily accessible, engaging, reusable and modifiable to fit local needs and user requirements is more likely to meet the imperatives of diffusion of innovation to combat the current pandemic 13. Prince of Wales Hospital is a tertiary, academic hospital in Hong Kong affiliated with The Chinese University of Hong Kong. The clinical staff had substantial outbreak experience during the SARS pandemic. Utilising this experience, and through iterative systems testing and improvement using in-situ simulation, the unit developed an infographic on the principles of airway management focusing on infection control for staff and patient safety in the context of COVID-19. We disseminated the infographic via social media including Twitter™ and WeChat™ (Fig. 1) and via the departmental website (http://www.aic.cuhk.edu.hk/covid19). The method of dissemination was rapidly and well received by the international community, resulting in locally facilitated translations into Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, German, Dutch, Polish, Serbian, Farsi, Turkish, traditional Chinese, simplified Chinese and Japanese. All translations were completed and made available for users within a 10-day period. Collaborations also enabled context-specific modifications of the infographic to merge with local practices. For example, double gloving was a technique that the Italian community requested, and the infographic was modified to accommodate this for the Italian translation. As of 19 March 2020, there have been 63,440 impressions on Twitter since publication on 19 February 2020, with many retweets and requests for sharing of the infographic at their respective institutions around the world. There have been 8614 page views on the departmental website since publication on 7 March 2020. More importantly, through social media platforms and personal communication, numerous reputable organisations, including the World Federation of Societies of Anaesthesiologists, Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists, Australian Society of Anaesthetists, UK ICM Anaesthesia Covid-19 Collaboration, Brazilian Anaesthesiology Society, French Society of Anesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, and others, have utilised the infographic as a resource for their respective healthcare communities. This redistribution of the material through additional, highly accessed and trusted dissemination platforms markedly increases the value of the infographic, and reduces the need for other individuals and units to waste needed resources reproducing similar material. The rapid uptake and sharing across networks, driven by healthcare workers' needs, demonstrates 'just-in-time' health professional information sharing. There are limitations to dissemination of online resources, and before considering implementation, healthcare workers must critically appraise the information provided 14. Known risks of non-peer–reviewed materials disseminated via social medial include the application of context-specific resources to unsuitable situations; engagement with biased knowledge within echo chambers' (groups consisting of only like-minded individuals) and algorithm-driven filter bubbles that selectively display information based on user preferences 15; and insufficient source information available to distinguish between valid and invalid information 16. In medicine, there is the additional risk of early adoption of unvalidated research or practice, and the risk of future medical reversal 17. Some of these issues are not unique to non-peer–reviewed resources, and peer-reviewed materials face similar challenges 18. To address these limitations, we propose criteria to be implemented by users of professional social medial platforms to promote the responsible use of social media–disseminated information (Box 1). In the current COVID-19 pandemic, social media has the potential, if responsibly and appropriately used, to provide rapid and effective dissemination routes for key information. The example provided validates this possibility. In summary, the infographic presented met the majority of above proposed criteria. The success of the dissemination was, we believe, promoted by the existing reputation of the institution, quality of the infographic imagery and content and the rapid dissemination by social media platforms with professional participants. This allowed several institutions to utilise the time-consuming work already done in the original institution, and not have to repeat the investment of time and energy to reproduce similar material. Free and rapid access to high-quality information from verifiable sources is valuable to optimise the global medical response to crises such as the current COVID-19 pandemic. CN is co-creator of the following FOAM projects: Life in the Fast lane (litfl.com); SMACC (http://smacc.com.au); INTENSIVE (http://intensiveblog.com); and the Resuscitationist's Awesome Guide to Everything (http://ragepodcast.com). No other competing interests declared.

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The Twitter pandemic: The critical role of Twitter in the dissemination of medical information and misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic

2020-04-06

Hans Rosenberg , Shahbaz Syed , Salim Rezaie

The sudden transition to synchronized online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia: a qualitative study exploring medical students’ perspectives

2020-08-28

Rehana Khalil , Ali Mansour , Walaa A. Fadda +5 more

Abstract Background The closure of educational activities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic resulted in an unplanned shift from traditional learning to a setup … Abstract Background The closure of educational activities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic resulted in an unplanned shift from traditional learning to a setup that exclusively involves digital teaching and learning. Within this context, the present study aimed to explore undergraduate medical students’ perceptions regarding the effectiveness of synchronized online learning at Unaizah College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia. Methods A qualitative study was conducted using virtual focus group discussions synchronously with the help of a discussion guide consisting of seven open-ended questions. Overall, 60 medical students were recruited using a maximum variation sampling technique; these students then participated in eight focus group discussions. All interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed for thematic contents using the standard (Mayring, Kiger. M. E. and Braun.V) content analysis framework. Results A thematic content analysis yielded four core themes: (1) educational impact, (2) time management, (3) challenges encountered, and (4) preferences for the future. The online modality was well-received, and all participants agreed that online sessions were time saving and that their performance was improved due to enhanced utility of time; however, they indicated that they encountered some challenges, including methodological, content perception, technical, and behavioral challenges during sessions and online exams. Most of the preclinical students preferred online learning for the upcoming academic years. Conclusion Synchronized online classes were well-accepted by the medical students. This represents significant and promising potential for the future of medical education. The principles of the online learning model and learning outcomes should be rigorously and regularly evaluated to monitor its effectiveness.

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Social Media Use for Health Purposes: Systematic Review

2021-04-11

Junhan Chen , Yuan Wang

Social media has been widely used for health-related purposes, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Previous reviews have summarized social media uses for a specific health purpose such as health interventions, … Social media has been widely used for health-related purposes, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Previous reviews have summarized social media uses for a specific health purpose such as health interventions, health campaigns, medical education, and disease outbreak surveillance. The most recent comprehensive review of social media uses for health purposes, however, was conducted in 2013. A systematic review that covers various health purposes is needed to reveal the new usages and research gaps that emerge in recent years.This study aimed to provide a systematic review of social media uses for health purposes that have been identified in previous studies.The researchers searched for peer-reviewed journal articles published between 2006 and 2020 in 12 databases covering medicine, public health, and social science. After coding the articles in terms of publication year, journal area, country, method, social media platform, and social media use for health purposes, the researchers provided a review of social media use for health purposes identified in these articles.This study summarized 10 social media uses for various health purposes by health institutions, health researchers and practitioners, and the public.Social media can be used for various health purposes. Several new usages have emerged since 2013 including advancing health research and practice, social mobilization, and facilitating offline health-related services and events. Research gaps exist regarding advancing strategic use of social media based on audience segmentation, evaluating the impact of social media in health interventions, understanding the impact of health identity development, and addressing privacy concerns.

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Comparing Physician and Artificial Intelligence Chatbot Responses to Patient Questions Posted to a Public Social Media Forum

2023-04-28

John W. Ayers , Adam Poliak , Mark Dredze +7 more

The rapid expansion of virtual health care has caused a surge in patient messages concomitant with more work and burnout among health care professionals. Artificial intelligence (AI) assistants could potentially … The rapid expansion of virtual health care has caused a surge in patient messages concomitant with more work and burnout among health care professionals. Artificial intelligence (AI) assistants could potentially aid in creating answers to patient questions by drafting responses that could be reviewed by clinicians.

A Resident-Led Innovation in Communication: Introducing WhatsApp Communities in a Large Internal Medicine Residency Program

2025-06-25

Aabid Mohiuddin , Fawaz Hussain , Astha Saini-Goeman +3 more | Cureus

Advancing hematological cytology education through virtual training

2025-06-25

Sofía Grille , Matilde Boada , Cecilia Guillermo | Education for Health

Background: The shift to virtual learning has become essential in medical education, particularly in specialized fields such as hematological cytology. This study describes the development, implementation and rating of an … Background: The shift to virtual learning has become essential in medical education, particularly in specialized fields such as hematological cytology. This study describes the development, implementation and rating of an asynchronous online course in hematological cytology for undergraduate medical students. Methods: The course integrated multimedia resources such as virtual microscopy, interactive videos, and self-assessment tools. Over three years, 174 students enrolled, with a 91.4% completion rate. The effectiveness of the course was evaluated through student surveys, which assessed course organization, content, and student satisfaction. Results: The average student satisfaction rating for course organization was 9.7 ± 0.73. The virtual microscope, a key tool in the course, received a high rating of 9.0 ± 0.93. The course was divided into seven modules, progressing from basic to more complex topics. The most highly rated modules were "Microscopy, Cytological Smears, and Staining Techniques" and "Normal Bone Marrow". More advanced modules, such as "Acute Leukemias and Myelodysplastic Syndromes," received lower ratings, indicating a need for additional support in complex topics. Conclusions: The online course successfully replicated key aspects of hands-on cytology education, demonstrating that virtual tools can effectively enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. The high completion and satisfaction rates highlight the potential of virtual learning in medical education, paving the way for future innovations in specialized training.

Podcast: What Lung Cancer Abstracts Stood Out at ASCO25?

2025-06-25

| Default Digital Object Group

Development of evidence-based popular works of oral cancer

2025-06-24

W. Yang | International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

The Impact Of Social Media and Selfie On The Orthognathic Surgery Decision-Making Process

2025-06-24

Ayşegül Mine Tüzüner , F. Saraçoclu , Umit Boz | International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Engaging Audiences: The Impact of Data Visualization and Storytelling in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Publications

2025-06-24

Ricardo Grillo , Leite Neto , Mariana Aparecida Brozoski +1 more | International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

The Impact of Digitalization on Communication: A Research on Trust in Physicians and E-Health Literacy

2025-06-23

Celil ÜNAL , Sümeyra TÜZÜN | Türkiye İletişim Araştırmaları Dergisi

Individuals' tendency to use digital platforms to obtain health-related information is one of the topics examined within the context of the e-health literacy literature. In this study, the focus is … Individuals' tendency to use digital platforms to obtain health-related information is one of the topics examined within the context of the e-health literacy literature. In this study, the focus is on whether the epistemological discussions on the negative effects of digitalization on communication exist on an ontological basis by considering the phenomena of e-health literacy and trust in physicians. For this purpose, it is attempted to reveal how e-health literacy brought about by digitalization affects trust. The Path Analysis model, which analyzes direct effects, was used in the study. In addition, a structural equation model was established to see whether demographic variables have a moderating role in the effect of e-health literacy on trust in physicians, and a moderation analysis was performed. A total of 349 participants were reached, and the obtained data were analyzed with the help of SPSS and AMOS software. The findings obtained in the study show that e-health literacy negatively affects trust in doctors (β = -0.43, p < 0.001), and that generation, education level, and problems experienced with doctors have a moderating effect on the effect of e-health literacy on trust in doctors (p < 0.05). The findings prove that while digitalization provides access to health information, it can weaken the patient-doctor relationship by reducing trust. In light of the results, it is possible to claim that epistemological discussions regarding the negative effects of digitalization on communication can also be seen ontologically.

Best Practices in Mitigating the Impact of BOT Attacks in Internet-Mediated Research

2025-06-23

Carolyn S. Harmon | CIN Computers Informatics Nursing

Is Social Media Influencing Patients to Choose Aligner Treatment?

2025-06-22

Amol S Patil , Advait R Kshirsagar , Saaransh Handa | Cureus

Influence of Social Media on the Dissemination and Uptake of Cardiology Research

2025-06-21

Moeed Ali Karim | Cureus

Der BitCoin der Wissenschaft

2025-06-20

Norman Best | Manuelle Medizin

When Diet Trends Go Viral: Cutaneous Manifestations of Social Media-Driven Fad Diets and Supplements

2025-06-19

Andres D Parga , Hannah Coven | Cureus

Social Media Use and Digital Literacy in Relation to Professional Conduct and Clinical Competence of Nursing Students

2025-06-19

Akikuh Shaira Codizar | International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research

In recent years, social media has emerged and is used as a powerful tool for communication and learning among nursing students. Along with the rise of modern technology in healthcare, … In recent years, social media has emerged and is used as a powerful tool for communication and learning among nursing students. Along with the rise of modern technology in healthcare, the necessity of digital literacy as advanced tools for patient management, data analysis, and communication be-comes progressive. However, the rapid development also presents significant challenges for nursing students and educators. This research aimed to investigate how social media use and digital literacy influence the development of nursing professionals in terms of their conduct and competency. This study was conducted in one of the private sectarian higher education institutions in Iligan City, which is one of the prominent healthcare education providers in the province of Lanao del Norte. The respondents were 308 nursing students selected through a stratified random sampling method. The re-searcher-made instruments were used to collect data via Google forms distributed using QR codes and links. The statistical analysis utilized were Means, Standard Deviation, Frequencies, Percentages, Pearson Correlation (r) and Multiple Regression Analysis. The result of the study indicates that nursing students actively use social media to gather information, build professional identity and provide camaraderie with fellow nursing students. This study also found that nursing students are good at using digital tools and technology, have strong clinical and collaborative skills. Social media use was also found to be linked with professionalism and clinical competence when nursing students effectively and efficiently find and utilize information online in their studies and practice. It is recommended that nursing students are provided with solid and clear guidelines to maintain high competence and be equipped with knowledge, skills, and attitude. In conclusion, responsible and ethical social media use accompanied by a solid foundation in digital literacy is essential for nursing students to be clinically competent and grow as modern nursing professionals.

Considerations in Recruiting Caregivers of Older Adults to Qualitative Internet-Mediated Research Using Facebook and Meta Business Suite

2025-06-18

Steven Hall , Noelle Rohatinsky , Lorraine Holtslander +1 more | Western Journal of Nursing Research

Background: Internet-mediated research (IMR), increasingly prominent in social sciences and health care, uses online platforms for data gathering, offering cost-effectiveness and wide accessibility. Despite assumptions that older adults are less … Background: Internet-mediated research (IMR), increasingly prominent in social sciences and health care, uses online platforms for data gathering, offering cost-effectiveness and wide accessibility. Despite assumptions that older adults are less active on social media, recent trends indicate otherwise, with a notable presence on platforms like Facebook, making it a valuable recruitment tool. Methods: The Saskatchewan Caregiver Experience Study employed purposive maximum variation sampling to recruit caregivers via paid Facebook ads, manually shared Facebook posts, and community newsletters. Metrics such as reach, impressions, and link clicks from Facebook advertisements were used to evaluate recruitment effectiveness. Data quality was ensured through “one response per IP address” restrictions on SurveyMonkey. Results: We recruited 355 survey respondents who met the study inclusion criteria. Participants had a mean age of 60.9 years (range: 22-87). Paid Facebook ads were the most effective recruitment method, indicated by higher engagement and response rates. The 355 survey responses totaled 40 746 words, reflecting strong participant engagement. The absence of financial incentives in the study also likely improved data quality. Discussion: This method requires participants to have both device access and technological literacy. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of using social media for recruiting in qualitative research, highlighting its potential for inclusivity and representativeness, while also underscoring the importance of ethical considerations in IMR.

Is the use of standardized patients more effective than role-playing in medical education? A meta-analysis

2025-06-18

Jingyuan Xiao , Xiaoli Fu | Frontiers in Medicine

Aim This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of using Standardized patients (SPs) and Role-playing (RP) in medical education. It is crucial to understand the differences in the effects of … Aim This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of using Standardized patients (SPs) and Role-playing (RP) in medical education. It is crucial to understand the differences in the effects of SPs and RP. However, the existing measurement results are varied, and the findings lack robustness. Methods We collected the results of various experiments and conducted a meta-analysis. In total, 10 articles and 27 effect sizes were included in the analysis, involving 721 students. Results The meta-analysis results showed that compared to the RP method, using SPs significantly improved students’ self-confidence (effect size = 0.415). However, in other aspects, the two methods showed similar outcomes. We observed that the effectiveness of SPs teaching methods increased over time. Conclusion SPs effectively enhance students’ self-confidence by simulating diverse roles, situations, and real-world work scenarios. This study provides a comprehensive comparative perspective on RP and SPs.

Author Correction: Predicting patients’ sentiments about medications using artificial intelligence techniques

2025-06-18

Amir Sorayaie Azar , Samin Babaei Rikan , Amin Naemi +2 more | Scientific Reports

Research Letters and Editorials in Hypertension

2025-06-18

David G. Harrison , Rhian M. Touyz | Hypertension

Audiences vs. Authors

2025-06-17

Jennifer Gouck | Routledge eBooks

Social Media Influence on the Choice of Surgeon By Patients Seeking Rhinoplasty

2025-06-17

Mustafa Yazir , Rıza Dündar , Can Cemal Cingi | Journal of Craniofacial Surgery

Objectives: The study aimed to evaluate the influence of preoperative and postoperative photos of rhinoplasty surgeries published on social media platforms on potential rhinoplasty candidates. Methods: This study analyzed the … Objectives: The study aimed to evaluate the influence of preoperative and postoperative photos of rhinoplasty surgeries published on social media platforms on potential rhinoplasty candidates. Methods: This study analyzed the responses to 51 questions directed at individuals over 18 who had considered rhinoplasty. The first 6 questions of the questionnaire focused on demographic information, while the remaining 45 questions included 3 inquiries about each photograph. Their answers were used to evaluate the 15 before-and-after rhinoplasty photos shared on social media, with the permission of the patients represented in the questionnaire. Results: In response to the question, “If you were considering rhinoplasty, how would you select a surgeon?,” 71.8% (n=249) of respondents agreed: “I would research on the Internet.” When analyzing the participants who searched online, it was found that 190 participants (76.6%) indicated they would review preoperative and postoperative photographs, recommendations, and critical comments shared by doctors online before deciding on a surgeon. Fifty-nine respondents (23.4%) reported that they would research on the Internet, but their eventual decision would not be solely based on this research. Conclusion: Our study revealed that after examining the photos on social media, when selecting a physician, people generally preferred the after pictures of rhinoplasty and were inclined to respond positively to the physician they deemed successful when considering rhinoplasty.

Social media use and Pediatric Research articles: examining engagement via X and traditional academic metrics

2025-06-17

Daniel O’Reilly , Kikelomo Babata , Damian Roland | Pediatric Research

Does Social Media Have a Role in the Decision to Matriculate Into a Physician Assistant Program?

2025-06-17

Patrick Heagey , Shannon Jackson , Anuradha Mathur +4 more | The Journal of Physician Assistant Education

Introduction This study examined how social media content from physician assistant (PA) programs influences students' attitudes and decisions regarding matriculation. Methods A 16-question anonymous survey was distributed via email to … Introduction This study examined how social media content from physician assistant (PA) programs influences students' attitudes and decisions regarding matriculation. Methods A 16-question anonymous survey was distributed via email to PA programs across the United States. Contact information from PA program Web sites was used to email faculty, encouraging distribution to PA students and recent graduates who matriculated between January 2021 and January 2024. The survey aimed to understand PA student demographics, social media usage patterns, and their influence on program matriculation decisions. Results A total of 374 PA students from 28 programs (11% of all programs) completed the survey, with an average age of 25.7 years. Social media played a minor role in students' enrollment decisions. Top factors were accreditation status, location and cost of living, and first-time Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination pass rate. While 51% were aware of their program's social media presence, over 75% reported it was “not at all important” in their decision. However, 366 students used social media at least 3 times a week, with Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok being the most visited platforms. The most impactful posts were “Day in the Life of a PA student” videos, clinical year curriculum, and classroom technology, while posts about preceptors and faculty were least impactful. Discussion Despite frequent social media use, 78% of respondents indicated social media presence had little to no impact on their program choice. However, targeted social media posts, such as “A Day in the Life of a PA Student” could impact their decision-making process.

Beyond Traditional Metrics: The Role of Altmetrics and Social Media in Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine Research

2025-06-16

Jeremy Y. Ng , Holger Cramer | Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine

The Applicant’s Perspective of Social Media Use among Emergency Medicine Residency Programs

2025-06-16

Cassidy S. Baldwin , Nicholas Jobeun , Charles Khoury +3 more | Western Journal of Emergency Medicine

Recruiting participants via social media for sexual and reproductive health research

2025-06-16

Jacqueline Coombe , Helen Bittleston , Teralynn Ludwick +7 more | Sexual Health

Recruiting participants is a vital component of social research. Finding the right people (and the right number of them) at the right time to participate in your study can make … Recruiting participants is a vital component of social research. Finding the right people (and the right number of them) at the right time to participate in your study can make or break its success; it can also challenge research budgets and requires considerable flexibility. Online recruitment strategies are becoming increasingly popular ways to recruit to both qualitative and quantitative studies. In this paper, we detail our experiences of using social media, primarily Meta platforms Facebook and Instagram, to recruit participants for our sexual and reproductive health research. Here, we provide a practical guide to using social media to recruit participants, and include examples throughout from our own research. We outline our triumphs and pitfalls in using this recruitment strategy, the challenges we have faced and the lessons we have learnt. In doing so, we hope to provide useful guidance for others wishing to use social media to recruit to their research studies.

“Podcast Conference Day” - The Implementation of a Live, Synchronous, Audio-Only Emergency Medicine Educational Conference and Its Impact on Resident Wellness and Knowledge Acquisition and Retention

2025-06-16

Nickolas Srica | Western Journal of Emergency Medicine

Disclosure of Editor’s Financial Relationships

2025-06-15

| American Journal of Psychotherapy

Pediatric ultrasound on YouTube: a multicenter quality assessment and ten practical recommendations

2025-06-14

Armando Di Ludovico , Saverio La Bella , Giulia Di Donato +7 more | Pediatric Radiology

Medical doctor on social media: skill knowledge and ethical issue

2025-06-14

Poedjo Hartono | Surabaya Medical Journal

Background: The increasing utilization of social media (SM) platforms has transformed them into valuable tools for professional health communication. Medical doctors in SM are regarded as "influencer doctors". By conveying … Background: The increasing utilization of social media (SM) platforms has transformed them into valuable tools for professional health communication. Medical doctors in SM are regarded as "influencer doctors". By conveying health information in accessible language, they contribute to the delivery of healthcare services and help address various public health issues through effective messaging and guidance. However, the health advice disseminated through these media platforms remains a subject of ongoing debate, as it often lacks a solid foundation in evidence-based practice. Objectives: In light of the growing influence of social media and the evolving role of medical doctors within these platforms, this editorial aims to highlight the potential hidden risks associated with SM use and examine its implications for public health. Medical doctor’s content and health education: social media facilitates a more accessible interactions and promoting health literacy such as patients-doctors communication, patient exchanges, and health education provided by medical doctor by posting the high-quality photographs or clinical video clips reinforce the information and signal professional rigor. “Influencers-doctor” now enjoy quasi-celebrity status, frequently swapping medical advice for sponsorship deals and promotional appearances. The widespread use of social media presents significant challenges such as false or misleading health information shared by non-health professionals with large followers. Conclussion: In the era of social media, medical doctors face significant challenges as they increasingly take on the role of “influencer doctors.” They are expected to combat health-related myths, stigmas, and misconceptions by providing accurate, evidence-based information grounded in their professional expertise.

Abstract P4-06-13: Empowering the clinician and patient communities through the development of an accessible, online tool to support diagnosis of Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC)

2025-06-13

Lindsey J. Anstine , A. T. Erwin , Harriet C. Baker +6 more | Clinical Cancer Research

Abstract Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) is a rare and highly aggressive form of advanced breast cancer. Compared to other breast cancers, IBC is uniquely characterized by skin changes and breast … Abstract Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) is a rare and highly aggressive form of advanced breast cancer. Compared to other breast cancers, IBC is uniquely characterized by skin changes and breast swelling often resembling a breast infection. Additionally, IBC is largely a subjective, clinical diagnosis that is challenging to identify. These issues are further potentiated by a general lack of awareness in the clinical and patient communities, further contributing to delays in diagnosis and treatment. Together, these circumstances contribute to poorer outcomes for people with IBC, who have a 5-year relative survival rate of only 39%. Thus, there is an urgent need to educate health care providers and patients about IBC and to develop tools to aid in differentiating IBC from other forms of breast cancer, enabling more accurate and timely diagnosis. To begin to address these challenges, the IBC Scoring System Online Tool (IBC Online Tool) (komen.org/ibc-calc) was developed as an easy-to-use, web-based version to help health care providers recognize and more effectively diagnose IBC. The IBC Online Tool is based on a set of proposed common diagnostic criteria identified by a panel of experts within the Susan G. Komen-IBCRF IBC Collaborative in partnership with the Milburn Foundation (Jagsi et. al. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2022) that has recently undergone scientific validation (publication in preparation). Prior to the online version, providers had to navigate to the publication and manually calculate a score. The IBC Online Tool provides the proposed IBC diagnostic criteria in a more convenient form, allowing clinicians to quickly calculate a patient’s possibility of having IBC in the clinic. Development of the IBC Online Tool required a highly collaborative effort with medical experts, patient advocates, in-house IT experts and others to provide insights to build and test the online platform. Components of the IBC Online Tool include a user interface, reference images of IBC, supporting text to aid with response selections and user feedback surveys. In addition, a results page can be downloaded to document breast changes and/or support patients in initiating discussions with their providers about the possibility of IBC. Available in both desktop and mobile versions, the online tool enables providers to more quickly and easily assess patients for IBC, which may result in more timely diagnosis and care. To drive and support the use of this important tool, additional IBC educational materials were created including A Health Care Providers Guide to IBC, A Patient’s Guide to IBC and an IBC Collaborative webpage (komen.org/ibc) to house the tool, providing important IBC information and resources for clinicians, researchers and patients. A QR code linking to the IBC Online Tool was generated and included within these resources and the QR code has been presented by IBC experts at major conferences to drive access and usage of the IBC Online Tool. This approach has been highly successful in raising awareness of this important resource, driving its use across the United States and in over 60 countries worldwide (as of June 2024). By digitizing the IBC Scoring System into an easily accessible online version, health care providers can now easily access a critical tool for IBC diagnosis in the palm of their hand. The development of the IBC Online Tool will ultimately help increase diagnostic accuracy, guide treatment decisions and improve IBC patient inclusion in clinical trials. Furthermore, Komen’s IBC resources can help to support patients in conversations with their doctors ultimately leading to more timely diagnosis and improved outcomes for this rare and understudied breast cancer. Citation Format: Lindsey Anstine, Alexandra Erwin, Hosea Baker, Sainath Vaidhyanath, Trevor Polischuk, Anjali Patel, Brady Kazar, Kimberly Sabelko, Glendon Zinser. Empowering the clinician and patient communities through the development of an accessible, online tool to support diagnosis of Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium 2024; 2024 Dec 10-13; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2025;31(12 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-06-13.

#Orthopedicsurgery: Analyzing Orthopedic Surgical Content on TikTok

2025-06-13

Hannah Travers , K. Thompson , Obinna Ajah +1 more | Journal of Orthopaedic Experience & Innovation

Introduction Social media continues to rise as an essential platform for the dissemination of information. TikTok has become increasingly relevant as a popular plaform. Content creators have begun to generate … Introduction Social media continues to rise as an essential platform for the dissemination of information. TikTok has become increasingly relevant as a popular plaform. Content creators have begun to generate medical content relevant to healthcare professionals and patients. Currently, no studies have analyzed the content related to orthopedic surgery or weighed its impact in the context of biases. Methods Using the TikTok search tool, “#orthopedicsurgery” was queried. The first 100 videos that met inclusion criteria were classified by video and creator characteristic. Various engagement metrics, including video rank, likes, engagement score, view count, and like count, were examined. The DISCERN scoring system was employed by 3 independent viewers to evaluate bias, and inter-reviewer reliability was assessed. Data management and statistical analysis were conducted in MATLAB R2022a. Results The top 100 TikTok videos using the “#orthopedicsurgery” hashtag, posted between August 23, 2020 and August 26, 2022 were analyzed. The dataset included 100 videos with over 184.5 million views, 1.24 million likes, 148,181 comments, and 1,110 hashtags. Videos were categorized as entertainment, educational, procedural, or lifestyle, with an average video duration of 37.06 seconds. The most common video type was educational (n=42); procedural videos correlated to higher rank (B=-18.40 P=0.013) . Videos generated by orthopedic surgeon and non-orthopedic surgeon HCP groups were correlated with lower engagement scores overall (B=-0.043,P<0.001 and B=-0.049,P<0.001). Lower DISCERN scores, higher bias, were observed in all other creator types compared to videos by orthopedic surgeons. Conclusions The content analyzed in this study varies from procedural demonstrations to entertainment trends, but notably, videos generated by non-healthcare professionals received more engagement than those by healthcare professionals. Further, this study underscores the need for healthcare organizations and providers to establish guidelines for content in an evolving digital landscape. It highlights the potential for orthopedic surgeons to connect with younger audiences. Ultimately, the findings suggest an opportunity for a novel way to disseminate accurate, high-quality information and connect with patients.

635-P: Differential Associations of Diabetes Distress with Diabetes-Dependent QoL in Young Adults with Type 1 Diabetes—The Buffering Role of Social Media

2025-06-13

Ya Mo , John Sideris , PEY-JIUAN LEE +7 more | Diabetes

Introduction and Objective: Diabetes distress (DD) has a major impact on diabetes-dependent QoL (DDQoL), but the subtypes and mechanisms by which DD impacts DDQoL are poorly understood. The study explored … Introduction and Objective: Diabetes distress (DD) has a major impact on diabetes-dependent QoL (DDQoL), but the subtypes and mechanisms by which DD impacts DDQoL are poorly understood. The study explored how DD subtypes (emotional, physician, regimen, interpersonal) are related to DDQoL and how social media (SM) as social support impacts these associations in young adults (YAs) with T1D. Methods: Baseline data from the Resilient, Empowered, Active Living-Telehealth Study, including participants aged 18-30 with T1D &gt;1 yr and A1c ≥ 7.5%, were analyzed. Diabetes Distress Scale (DDS) and Audit of Diabetes-Dependent Quality of Life (ADDQOL) measured DD and DDQoL, respectively. Social support was categorized into SM or non-SM. Univariate regressions examined associations between DD subtypes with DDQoL, while multivariate regression tested combined impacts of DD subtypes. Interaction terms tested SM’s moderating role, and models were adjusted for demographics. Results: Among 209 YAs (66% female, age 24.5 yr, 42.6% Hispanic), 129 (61.7%) participants used SM for support. All DDS subscales were significantly associated with DDQoL (p &lt;.001). Emotional DD had the strongest negative association in univariate models (β =-.79, CI =-.93 ~ -.64) and was the only significant predictor in multivariate model (β =-.86, CI =-1.08 ~ -.63). SM buffered interpersonal DD’s negative impact on DDQoL (interaction: β =.46, CI =.11 ~.82). The final model showed emotional DD (β =-.76, CI =-.94 ~ -.58), interpersonal DD (β =-.31, CI =-.59 ~ -.03), and SM (β =-1.66, CI =-2.54 ~ -.79) significantly affected DDQoL, with SM reducing interpersonal DD’s adverse effects on DDQoL, demographics adjusted and female correlated with better DDQoL (β =.60, CI =.15 ~ 1.05). Conclusion: Emotional DD significantly reduces DDQoL, while SM buffers the negative impact of interpersonal DD. The findings necessitate targeted emotional support and effective use of SM in T1D care. Disclosure Y. Mo: None. J. Sideris: None. P. Lee: None. J. Blanchard: None. G. Granados: None. J. Raymond: None. D. Fox: None. N.D. Nnoli: None. J.D. Leite Junior: None. E. Pyatak: None. Funding NIH / National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (R01DK116719-01A1)

Abstract P3-01-01: Innovative Approaches to Breast Cancer Awareness: The Impact of Virtual Navigation and Future Digital Solutions

2025-06-13

Manisha Salinas | Clinical Cancer Research

Abstract Background: Breast cancer remains a significant public health challenge, with persistent disparities in screening and outcomes among Black women. Black women are more likely to be diagnosed at later … Abstract Background: Breast cancer remains a significant public health challenge, with persistent disparities in screening and outcomes among Black women. Black women are more likely to be diagnosed at later stages and have higher mortality rates compared to White women. These disparities are often due to barriers such as limited access to healthcare, lack of awareness, and socioeconomic factors. Innovative digital solutions are critical for bridging these gaps and enhancing breast cancer awareness, screening behaviors, and survivorship in underserved communities. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the impact of virtual health navigation on breast cancer awareness and to introduce a forthcoming mobile application designed to support breast cancer survivorship using AI and digital health tools. Methods: We employed a mixed-methods approach, utilizing a virtual platform to deliver educational sessions on breast cancer risk factors, mammography, and preventive behaviors. Participants' knowledge, attitudes, and screening intentions were assessed through pre- and post-intervention surveys. Qualitative insights were gathered from focus group discussions to understand participants' experiences and perceptions. Results: The virtual navigation program significantly increased participants' knowledge and awareness regarding breast cancer. Baseline surveys indicated that only 25% of participants had undergone mammography screening in the past year. Post-intervention surveys revealed that 75% of participants intended to undergo mammography screening within the next year, demonstrating a threefold increase in screening intentions. Additionally, 94% of participants found the virtual sessions beneficial, and 88% reported high satisfaction with the platform. Qualitative findings highlighted enhanced engagement and understanding of breast cancer risks, with 77% of participants expressing a desire to seek further information on breast cancer prevention and early detection post-intervention. These results emphasize the program's success in improving education and prevention behaviors, setting the stage for enhanced survivorship support. Future Directions: Building on these successful outcomes, we are developing a mobile application designed to extend support into the survivorship phase for minority women. This app will leverage AI and digital health tools to provide personalized health information, follow-up screening reminders, and virtual support groups. By offering continuous support, the app aims to help survivors maintain their health post-treatment and address ongoing disparities in breast cancer care. Conclusion: The integration of virtual navigation and digital health tools represents a transformative approach to enhancing breast cancer awareness, screening behaviors, and survivorship among Black women. This research demonstrates the significant potential of innovative digital solutions in addressing healthcare disparities. By developing a mobile application focused on breast cancer survivorship, we are positioned to provide continuous, personalized support that can significantly reduce disparities and improve health outcomes. The implications of this work highlight the critical role of targeted digital health interventions in fostering a more equitable healthcare landscape, ultimately leading to better outcomes for underserved populations. Citation Format: Manisha Salinas. Innovative Approaches to Breast Cancer Awareness: The Impact of Virtual Navigation and Future Digital Solutions [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium 2024; 2024 Dec 10-13; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2025;31(12 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-01-01.

Abstract P2-05-06: Contemporary media – highlighting a podcast hosted by a breast cancer survivor – to disseminate breast cancer education in a credible, patient-friendly format

2025-06-13

Molly Lindquist , Samira Daswani , Douglas W. Blayney | Clinical Cancer Research

Abstract Background: Most individuals and families facing a health-related decision will attempt to self-educate on their situation. Yet, the National Assessment of Adult Literacy found only 12% of Americans to … Abstract Background: Most individuals and families facing a health-related decision will attempt to self-educate on their situation. Yet, the National Assessment of Adult Literacy found only 12% of Americans to have proficient health-based literacy. Individuals are searching for information on their diagnoses and ways to improve health, but accessible information that is both credible and contextualized to one’s situation is often lost in noise. Many use internet search channels, with Google reporting 70,000 health-related queries per minute, and a January 2024 study of YouTube users reported that 87.6% of respondents watch health related content (HRC) and 84.7% make decisions based on what they watch. According to a 2019 study in Consumer Informatics and Digital Health, 9 out of 10 adults in the US use at least one online social network. In addition, the podcast channel has seen significant growth in recent years; the number of people listening to podcasts has doubled since 2013 to over 177 million listening monthly (Deal, 2022). Methods: As a survivor who self-identifies as a “patient from hell,” Samira Daswani found navigating the cancer care system challenging and frustrating. She led the development of a podcast to disseminate information important to cancer patients and families. Within the first 7 months of our Patient from Hell podcast launch in May of 2022, we ranked within the top 10% of podcasts shared globally (Spotify, 2022) and podcast followers have doubled since the beginning of 2024. One of the primary areas the podcast has covered is breast cancer via interviews with oncologists, researchers, patients and survivors. A new episode is released bi-weekly on all podcast channels, with social media clips of the episode posted 2-3 times per week via Instagram, YouTube and TikTok for the week after the launch of an episode. The podcast was funded in May 2023 by the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute to disseminate PCORI-funded research projects and has featured guests such as Dr. Fumiko Chino, Dr. Karen Wernli, among others. Findings: Of the 36 episodes published in the last twelve months (July 2023-June 2024), 33% (12 episodes) have been breast cancer specific (vs. more general cancer topics that are applicable to a wider audience of cancer patients, survivors and caregivers). Those 12 breast cancer specific episodes have garnered 81,468 impressions on Spotify, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Twitter and via our newsletter. We started to share one minute clips via YouTube shorts in March of 2024 and have generated over 5,000 views of those “key highlight” short clips in just 3 months for the breast cancer focused episodes and our YouTube channel subscribers have nearly doubled since we started running the “Shorts.” Discussion: The podcast medium is a novel and effective way of disseminating breast cancer information in a form that is both approachable and actionable. In addition to providing an opportunity to glean information by listening to full podcast episodes, we have learned that amplifying key messages and takeaways via short episode clips on social media platforms helps to further disseminate credible, science-backed information as well as key patient learnings to a wider audience of people impacted by breast cancer. The podcast is one patient and family education tool we are developing (JCO 42(16), E13064). Citation Format: Molly Lindquist, Samira Daswani, Douglas W. Blayney. Contemporary media – highlighting a podcast hosted by a breast cancer survivor – to disseminate breast cancer education in a credible, patient-friendly format [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium 2024; 2024 Dec 10-13; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2025;31(12 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-05-06.

Beyond the SkinTok: The Black Skin Gap in TikTok’s Skin Cancer Education

2025-06-12

Ghassan Barnawi , Elen Grigorchuk , Sheila Kashkari +3 more | Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery

MEDILINK

2025-06-12

Mohammed Ahmed , Mohammed Mahmood Ali Junaidi , Muhammad Irfan +1 more | International jounal of information technology and computer engineering.

Medilink is one of the most innovative health platforms that brings all the healthcare solutions together into one accessible interface. Unlike traditional systems that are different and manual in handling … Medilink is one of the most innovative health platforms that brings all the healthcare solutions together into one accessible interface. Unlike traditional systems that are different and manual in handling records, reminders, and diagnostic tools, Medilink has been brought together in one approach that makes healthcare easy to manage and more efficient. One of its stand out features is digital prescription storage to ensure patients have their medical history available at a moment's notice, loss of paper prescriptions is thus eliminated. This is really helpful in case of emergency as all health-related information is readily available. Moreover, Medilink offers a global prescription database wherein every user can browse anonymized treatment data from all over the world. This, indeed, makes decisions in a much more informed way based on real-world evidence for appropriate treatments for most conditions. It further assists patients in adhering to their prescribed regimens, thus eliminating the most common problem of missed doses and thus leads to faster recovery. Besides, Medilink's key flagship feature is MED-GPT, which is designed using cutting-edge AI technologies such as machine learning and natural language processing to ensure accurate and dependable diagnostic suggestions. It is particularly helpful in emergencies when a patient needs urgent medical advice and creates a gap in accessibility to professional healthcare. Another feature of Medilink is Tools for Analysts which is the most impressive capabilities when it comes to this learning module is that it provides the possibility to maintain the data’s purity in the field of healthcare. It has been equipped for analysts to remove the improper records so they keep the data free from the mistakes. For instance, the system can identify some variations in the class labels or other key additive features that leads to biased analysis results or finally a flawed treatment. This way, Medilink contributes to sustaining the quality and non-variability of data and contributes to the firm’s correct decision-making processes. Tech stack includes Golang, AngularJS, PostgreSQL, Python FastAPI, and Hugging Face's Transformers, Vectordb , natural language processing, machine learning, LLM, Langchain, sentence-transformers, streamlit, pandasai, google gemini api, google cloud storage, yahoo finance connector tiktoken, Medilink allows the service to be secure, efficient, and scalable. And in turn, Medilink rewrites healthcare's management and delivery to be streamlined, reliable, and accessible to all.

Composing authorship teams for health equity: an introduction to the health equity research production model

2025-06-12

Dustin T. Duncan | International Journal for Equity in Health

The viral playbook threatening the National Institutes of Health: a call to inoculate the immune system of American science

2025-06-11

Frederick L. Altice | The Lancet Regional Health - Americas

Current landscape of social media and (Canadian Journal of) public health: Constructive engagement is needed and encouraged

2025-06-10

Katrina Pearman , Daniel Fuller | Can J Public Health